Welcome to my "Run the Sahara" website. I have put this site together to provide information about my attempt to run 151 miles across the Sahara Desert. The race is called the Marathon de Sables and it is claimed to be the toughest foot race in the world!

I have been training for about a year and was due to run the race in March 2009. However, 3 weeks before I was due to depart, I started to notice that I was becoming breathless on runs and an ECG showed an irregular heartbeat. A bit more investigation showed that I had developed an Atrial Fibrillation - my resting heart rate was up to 74 (whereas normally it might be 50) and with exercise it would rise to dangerous levels. As a result, I have sadly had to withdraw from the race in 2009. However, all is not lost. I will be having treatment over the next couple of months culminating in my heart being shocked to stop it so that it can start again normally, and I should have a place in the 2010 race - so plenty of time to get your sponsorship in.

To find out more about the race, me, the equipment, the charity I am running for and what you can do to help, have a browse around this website.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 15 March 2009 10:10 )

The Marathon de Sables

Written by David

Tuesday, 28 October 2008 10:55

The MdS is an annual event that takes place in Morocco. Every year at the end of March, around 700 people line up for 6 days of exertion and physical punishment as they attempt to cross 151 miles of desert. I have volunteered to take part. The question is, am I mad or just completely insane. You can read more about this event on th pages of this website.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 November 2008 16:09 )

I am running for Water Aid

Written by David

Saturday, 25 October 2008 16:24

I am running on behalf of Water Aid, an international charity that aims to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. One in eight people in the world does not have access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Water Aid enables the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. These basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods. They are committed to addressing the vital need for safe water and sanitation head on. But they need your support and mine - and that is why I am undertaking this race in their name.